Reserpine
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
608.68
Molecular Formula
C33H40N2O9
IUPAC Name
Methyl (1R,15S,17R,18R,19S,20S)-11,17-dimethoxy-18-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyloxy)-1,3,11,12,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21-dodecahydroyohimban-19-carboxylate
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Rauwolfia serpentina
Active Constituents
Reserpine
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Irreversibly blocks VMAT, depleting norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Readily absorbed.
D: Widely distributed, crosses BBB.
M: Hepatic hydrolysis.
E: Feces and urine.
Pharmacodynamics
Profound sympatholytic effect, lowers BP, induces severe sedation.
Synthesis Pathway
Synthesized from tryptophan and secologanin.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Severe clinical depression, suicidal ideation, bradycardia, GI upset.
Contraindications
Active peptic ulcer, active depression, ulcerative colitis.
Drug Interactions
MAOIs (causes initial hypertensive excitation), Digoxin.
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Tablets
Official Compendia
IP, BP, USP